Rebecca Dunn

Rebecca Dunn is a research analyst in the Human Services division. Her research focuses on quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis of programs designed to support families. Using rapid-cycle evaluation techniques and human-centered design, she guides grantees through change processes to improve program quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. Her experience covers a range of program and policy areas, including healthy marriage and relationship education, teenage pregnancy prevention, cash assistance, workforce development, and early childhood education. Her work spans both the program improvement and evaluation spaces, with notable task leadership contributions on large randomized controlled trails (RCTs).

While at Mathematica, she has supported numerous research tasks, including designing, testing, and programming survey instruments; coordinating data collection; conducting interviews with program staff and participants; convening trainings and expert meetings; coding qualitative data; analyzing quantitative data; and managing projects. Dunn specializes in using the Learn, Innovate, Improve (LI²) framework—an evidence-driven approach to innovation and change in organizations—and regularly applies LI² as a process for partnering with and building the capacity of state and local human services providers.

Since joining Mathematica in 2017, Dunn has worked for a diverse range of government and foundation clients, including the Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Family Assistance and Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Labor, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, and Michigan Works! Her work has explored self-regulation, co-regulation, and motivation; welfare-to-work interventions; community network initiatives; and youth interventions.

Dunn is active in Mathematica’s internal diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and is passionate about mentoring associate staff. She also serves on the Human Services Positive Impact Award Committee.

She holds a B.A. with honors in sociology and anthropology from Washington and Lee University and a M.A. with honors in public policy from the University of Chicago.